As most know, I get to listen to a TON Of cool gear. I"ve heard so many of the top pre's and that includes many of the very small brands. Each manufacturer, to me, often has one product that is IT. Synergy is so important etc... ,but the KX-R/20 is the best pre amp I've NOT HEARD to date. It was the same thing when I installed my Audioquest WEL interconnect on my QX5/20 into my AX5/20.
Transformative. I rarely say that about any component. I just had a similar situation when installing my AQ Hurricane power cords too. That has taken the level of both Ayre components to levels I've not heard yet.
KXR isn't there, but if you take it out, everything will collapse. The way they did the pre in the AX5/20 is similar in that it make this integrated about as good as any I've had in the room so far. That's why I own it. JMHO
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Vandy Quatro&s, Laufer DAC/server, AQ cords
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